Feng eyeing LPGA hat-trick
In-form Shanshan Feng is on course for a hat-trick of LPGA victories after taking the lead at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Feng is one of nine players who have a chance of winning the Race to the CME Globe season title and the accompanying $1million bonus, and the Chinese star made the best possible start of lifting that crown in Naples.
On the back of consecutive victories in Malaysia and Japan, Feng registered a six-under par round of 66 on the opening day to forge a one-shot lead over So Yeon Ryu and Charley Hull.
“I actually feel fresh coming into this week,” said Feng.
“I’ve been playing well, so just wanted to keep up with the good playing.”
Feng has finished inside the top four in each of her last seven events and she showed that confidence on a bogey-free round which saw her birdie four of the last six holes.
Ha Na Jang, Sei Young Kim, In Gee Chun, Amy Yang, Lizette Salas, Beatriz Recari, Ryann O’Toole and Mo Martin all shot 68 to lie just adrift of Ryu and Hull.
Lydia Ko – who needs to win the event to secure the player of the year title – shot 70, while Ariya Jutanugarn and Brooke Henderson – who similarly must prevail in the tournament – both finished with level par rounds of 72.
Latest
-
NewsTiger Woods car crash caused by excessive speed
Woods was released from hospital earlier this month after sustaining a number of serious injuries.
-
NewsJon Rahm not concerned about lack of Masters practice after birth of first child
Rahm’s wife Kelley gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday.
-
NewsDustin Johnson and those after his Masters crown – 5 players to watch at Augusta
The likes of Rory McIlory, Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau are tipped to challenge.
-
NewsAugusta set to take centre stage as Masters returns to spring setting
Scoring records were shattered in November as Covid-19 meant the Masters was moved from its traditional spring slot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy focused on ‘big picture’ as he bids to end title drought
McIlroy goes into this week’s Masters ranked 12th in the world.
-
NewsDustin Johnson believes he is ‘getting there’ ahead of Masters defence
The 36-year-old is bidding to become just the fourth player to win back-to-back titles.
-
NewsJustin Thomas says Tiger Woods will be a big miss at the Masters
Woods is recovering at home following a single-vehicle crash in Los Angeles on February 23.
-
NewsLee Westwood targets breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of oldest Masters winner
Westwood will celebrate his 48th birthday just 13 days after the end of the 85th Masters.
-
NewsWATCH: Bryson DeChambeau explains how he’ll approach the Masters
The American plans to be even more aggressive than he was in November.
-
NewsMasters glory would make Rory McIlroy a ‘legend’ – Nick Dougherty
The 31-year-old is bidding to join a select group of players who have claimed all four major titles.